12:50 p.m. – Dave Ross, commentator

Americans for Prosperity blame the president for flight delays

WASHINGTON – While businesses across the country are trying to figure out how to deal with new health care requirements, Congress has been secretly discussing exempting members and aides from insurance exchanges required by Obamacare, Politico reports.

There reportedly is concern about lawmakers and aides being hit with thousands of dollars in health care costs that could lead staffers to seek jobs elsewhere and create a Capitol Hill “brain drain,” Politico says.

Citing sources, Politico reports talks on the issue have involved Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Obama administration officials. The discussions are described by Politico as “extremely sensitive” due to the fallout that could ensue from such an exemption.

Read more on the story from Politico here, and listen to executive editor Jim VandeHei discuss the issue in the interview below.